Thank you to Kodansha and Netgalley for this ARC. This review is my own reflection on the book and not paid for or influenced in any other way.

I'm going to start this review by gushing over the absolutely stunning artwork. The character details were so beautifully done and I often found myself pausing just to take in the finer details. The background panels weren't always filled, but when they were, they were also stunning. It is clear that the artist truly loves their work.

I also have already fallen hook, line and sinker for both of our main characters. I love how caring Yako is towards Nanao and the way he doesn't hesitate to stand up for her but also encourages her to have her own voice and emotions that for years she's had to hide. He can see how much she has been beaten and broken and is determined not to push her to do more than she feels capable. He watches over her when she feints to ensure she is okay. He promises loyalty in return for her being his wife. Honestly, I want him for my own husband.

Nanao may not be the most compelling FL so far, but with her background and being forced to remain silent and small, I didn't expect her to be the most interesting to start with. We start to see some glimpses into her courage and bravery through the volume and I have a feeling it won't be long before her new husband helps her realise the true power she has. I cannot wait to see her step up, claim her strength and use it to hand a can off whoop ass on those who treated her so badly while her husband proudly watches on and lets her have her moment (at least I sincerely hope that happens!)

That being said, I did have a few niggles that stop me giving this five stars. The magic system is very poorly explained and I'm not entirely sure what her purpose is to him other than to be a source of energy or something. So, is he truly marrying her because he has a connection or is it more out of the power she can give and it just happens to be that she's one of the most beautiful women to exist? I also really hated her original fiancé who only cared about her once she was no longer there. You mean you spent years standing by knowing how badly she was treated and only after her mask was removed to reveal her beauty did you suddenly care about her again? (I did love that this was also said by his father, that was so real of him ngl).

I also struggled a little with the pacing. I don't mind a book being fast paced, but it felt that this was a little too fast. I would rather have had the story for this volume end with her asking him to take her away and extend the scenes with her backstory and their meeting/him seeing how she's being treated more. I think we should have had a few more interactions with them before her mask was removed so I could believe there was a genuine connection between them building even before he saw her true face. Things like that would have absolutely improved my feelings.

So yes, while I am very eager to continue this story and fully back the love story that's about to unfold, there are a couple of things I need to be developed or explained a lot more for me to fully enjoy this story. I will absolutely be continuing with this series and can't wait to become completely obsessed with this pair!

I really enjoyed this first volume of "The Ayakashi Hunter's Tainted Bride"!

Both of the main characters are very interesting and have many secrets to reveal. I love that there is both a compelling romance as well as an interesting magical plot line.

If you are a fan of "My Happy Marriage" you will love this manga!

Big thanks to Netgalley and Kodansha comics for the ARC coy of this manga. This has not affected my review at all, which are my own thoughts.

Nanao is more than ready to marry her betrothed and into the Byakurenji family, until a tragic event marks and curses her forever, making her tainted in the eyes of Reito, who will now never marry her, and in the eyes of everybody that knows her. On the other hand, her cousin Akemi seizes this perfect opportunity to marry Reito in her place, while Nanao is forced to wear a monkey mask, symbolizing the ayakashi that attacker her. Years later, she has turned into a young woman full of trust issues toward others, even to Yako, the heir of another important family, who is also looking for a bride.
And since the title says it all, you can imagine what happens from then onward. A union that nobody is happy with, except the couple involve.

This is a very introductory volume, of course, presenting to us the main players of the story and the world they inhabit. Then of course, covering the events I described above and ending in such high tension that it leaves you wanting more. So, a first good volume to a series that promises us high drama among they five families/clans that defend the world from the ayakashi and that introduces us to rich characters and a vast world.

The first chapter was a bit confusing to me, I think because the manga was to get past the little live Nanao has at Byakurenji village and get her with Yako immediately, which makes the story suffer a bit. We see the attack Nanao suffer and why it came to be, then how she is treated and the Byakurenji received Yako's family. The thing is, that Akemi (Nanao's cousin who married Reito) appears pregnant on one page and, in a few after, her baby has already been born and is resting in some room. So, either she's pregnant with a second child, or the story makes a big jump in a few pages without even telling the reader. It's fine to make jumps, lost of manga doe this to tell a story, but they should be better mark, or done in different chapters, in my opinion.

Hopefully, the rest of the volume wasn't as confusing😂

The character design is good, making sure the characters are distinguishable between them, with a background a clothes that give way to their status, the places they live in and the time period they inhabit. But, to be honest, my favorite character's design were the ayakashi that serve Yako. I want to know more about them, how they came to work for him, and more about the way they present themselves to the world.

Finally, the main characters: Nanao, is my favorite, sweet, talented and loyal to a fault (though, hopefully, she'll stop been loyal to Reito, or I'll have to slap her myself to make her realize that man is not worth her attention); there's Reito, the heir to the Byakurenji clan, a young man that looks a benevolent master but couldn't be further from the start, for he mistreats Nanao while hiding behind a smile (I hope he suffers greatly); and Yako, the heir to the another noble family, who is also keeping secrets for Nanao🫢, but that doens't make him treat her with any less respect that she deserves, more over after he proposes and makes her his bride.

Overall, a fantastic start to a story with an amazing world, fully fleshed characters and interested creatures, and a romance that looks as slow burning as passionate. I came for the ayakashi and stayed for them, but keeping an eye on the romance too because these two are made for each other.

A young girl, born with immense dark magic, was engaged to the man she loved. However, her jealous cousin betrayed her by throwing something precious into a forbidden place. As a result, she was taken and cursed with a seal that turned her into an outcast in her own village.

Mistreated and abused, she endured years of suffering—until one day, a man arrived in search of a bride. Recognizing the power within her, he saved her from her torment. But he carried a secret of his own…

4.5

Nanao has been marked making her unwanted and constantly having a monkey smell, along with being forced to wear a monkey mask as a way to embarrass her further. Everything she wanted and loved has been taken from her. Akemi is jealous and the cause of the bulk of her pain and sorrow. Yako needs her, but she doesn't know why until Nanao has already committed herself to him. Once she is gone, everyone begins to realize how much they relied on her. Nanao I feel like is going to grow rapidly as a character and I am hoping that Yako will take care of her as she deserves regardless of the curse plaguing them. There is a lot of potential in this series and I'm looking forward to getting to know these characters more in the later volumes. The art is also very accurate and easy to follow along with.

We love it when a powerful guy comes to rescue the girl, basically slapping the ego of the dude who mistreated her before, don't we? We do. I wanna see more slaps xD
Going to keep following this for sure!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Length: 208p
Source: ARC - NetGalley, Kodansha Comics
Release Date: March 25, 2025

I loved this manga SO FRIGGIN MUCH!! Y’all, this was so heartbreaking and horrible in the beginning with Nanao and all the terrible things that happened to her. But when Master Yako came onto the scene? LE SWOON. 😍😍

This is a story of a young woman promised to a powerful family until she’s cursed by a demon and is heavily abused by that family. Then one day a representative from the most powerful family arrives and senses Nanao’s power and makes her his wife.

We’ve got some amazing hurt/comfort and some wonderful humor. And the art is just gorgeous and can you tell I’m slightly obsessed? I WILL be buying this one!

♡ historical fantasy romance
♥ manga
♡ cursed girl x demon hunter
♥ scarred fmc
♡ romance x action x suspense

{I was gifted a complimentary copy of this book. All reviews are my own. Any quote mentioned is subject to change.}

2,5 ⭐

The first volume of a manga volume that reminded me of My Happy Marriage's dynamic. The historical universe inhabited by demons is interesting, and there is a whole lore to discover. But I must confess I have mixed feelings about the characters, especially the love interest who meets the protagonist while she is taking a bath. He didn't seem to mind that he was peeping on her without her consent...

The cover is very pretty but I don't think I will be continuing this series even if the art is nice.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC !

Exciting Worldbuilding and Interesting Creatures!

The manga is set in a world inhabited by humans and Ayakashi (monster and demon-like beings). The protagonist has a high level of spirituality, making her special and respected—until an incident turns her into an outcast. That is, until a stranger appears who doesn’t fear her.

The art style is pretty good, and the story moves quickly. I especially enjoyed the cute and funny moments throughout.

The protagonist is quite submissive, which makes sense given her past, but it’s not really my thing. The male lead seems almost too perfect at first, and I couldn’t quite get a read on him—but as the story progresses, we learn more about him. And then there’s this whole thing about breakfast, which only women with high spirituality can master… not sure how I feel about that.

All in all, it’s an entertaining story with a mystical atmosphere and plenty of cute and interesting creatures. I can definitely see myself picking up the next volume!

Wow! What a beginning. Such a great set of characters, the plot is firmly laid out so as a reader you don't feel left questioning anything and just desperately want the next volume. The romance while only just getting started is super engaging! I love the art-style and I am excited to see where the magic system takes us! I need the second volume!

This manga was so fun. I froth at the mouth for romantic fantasy manga and this delivered. If you like My Happy Marriage you are going to eat this UP.

I enjoyed reading this story. The art on the page was pretty, even for black and white, and I could feel the pages come alive when I was reading it. I can't wait to read the next volume to find out what happens with their marriage. I loved the bonus chapter that was included, showing how the both of them interact with each other. I love how Master Yako treats Nano compared to how awful her family actually treated her.

I will be adding a physical copy of this to my collection.

Overall a very strong first volume. The art style was very pretty, and I liked the fantasy elements in this alternate version of our world. Although this story does contain some dark themes, the tone is very lighthearted and fun (especially Goki and the adorable kappas). I really enjoyed this one and am definitely looking forward to seeing how the characters develop as the story progresses.

Starting off by saying thank you NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for allowing me to read an advanced reader copy!

If you’ve read “Kakuriyo: Bed and Breakfast” as I have, you’ll definitely enjoy this. You may not like this if you don’t like arraigned/ marriage of convenience or insta-love, or something quick paced. I can’t wait to read the next volume when it comes out! Thank you again NetGalley for the early copy! #AyakashiHuntersTaintedBride #NetGalley

Review of The Ayakashi Hunter’s Tainted Bride

Art Style:

Right off the bat, I was captivated by the art style. It’s exactly the kind of intricate and detailed illustration that draws me into fantasy manga. Each character is distinct, with unique features that make them easily recognizable. The level of detail in the artwork enhances the storytelling, immersing the reader in the world of the Ayakashi and Onmyo exorcists.

Story and Characters:

The story follows Nanao, a girl burdened with “tainted” monkey blood, which causes those around her to fear and ostracize her. Forced to wear a monkey mask from childhood, she endures relentless mistreatment—not just from outsiders but even from her own parents. What makes this even more tragic is that her first love, Master Reito, was the one who insisted she wear the mask, fully aware that she would grow into a beautiful woman. Instead of protecting her, he allowed her to suffer.

Adding to Nanao’s misery is her cousin, Akemi, who manipulates the situation to marry Reito for her own selfish reasons. Nanao’s life is one of constant oppression and cruelty until fate intervenes. Master Yako, leader of the First Division of the Imperial Chamber’s Onmyo Exorcism Troop, arrives at the Benitsubaki clan under the pretense of “seeking a wife.” What he finds instead is a shocking display of abuse—Akemi and Reito attacking Nanao as she desperately tries to protect their baby from malevolent spirit bugs. Yako steps in, and from that moment, Nanao’s fate takes a new turn.

While I enjoyed the story, I did find the pacing a bit rushed. I’m a sucker for a damsel in distress storyline paired with a knight in shining armor, but I wish Nanao had been a little more reserved when offering her blood to Yako. Make him work for it, girl! That being said, I do appreciate how Yako immediately provides her with safety and kindness after everything she’s endured. I hope the second volume explores more of Yako’s troop in action and, more importantly, a confidence boost for Nanao.

As for Reito? He can stay in his lane. He had no interest in Nanao until he saw her face again—now suddenly, he wants to “save” her from Yako? Please. You made your choice. And Akemi? If you’re going to marry the man, at least learn how to cook.

On another note, I really enjoyed the two-page novel at the end of the manga. It added an extra layer to the story that I found engaging.

My Final Thoughts:

Overall, while the story felt a little rushed, the premise was compelling, and the art was stunning. I’m curious to see how the characters develop in the next volume. For now, I’d give it a solid 3-star rating!

This was such an exciting and immersive read! The blend of fantasy, romance, and supernatural elements kept me hooked from the start. The world-building was rich, and the characters were intriguing, making it easy to get lost in the story. I can't wait to see where the series goes next!

**I received an advanced copy of this manga from NetGalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Spice: 0 out of 5 stars
Review: This was such a fun, interesting read! The beginning was a little slow for me, and a little info dumpy, but it quickly picked up and had me hooked. I love Nanao. She seems so kind and sweet, I just want to protect her. I hate her clan and her terrible cousin, Akemi. Seriously, her cousin is a grade a witch with a b. Master Yako is so handsome and mysterious, I can’t wait to find out more about him and his clan. Her ex-fiance Reito needs a switch butt kicking and I hope Master Yako gives him one. This was a really good start to a series and I can’t wait to read the next volume.

I loved this!! Similar set-up to My Happy Marriage, in both the main female character's background and the setting (newly westernised Japanese empire with fantasy elements) but the Ayakashi aren't considered bad by everyone.

Volume 1 has 4 chapters and a few extra text pages that I'm assuming are translated directly from the novel with a few manga pages accompanying each extra story bit. These story

I was NOT expecting the twist about her husband and I'm very excited for the next volumes!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha for the eARC!

I loved this story!! Very much like My Happy Marriage but still unique.
It starts out with Nanao being engaged to the head of the clan she is in. One day she is attacked by a demon leaving her "tainted" and the engagement is called off and the clan makes her hide her face behind a monkey mask and live in shame. A visiting head of another clan visits and takes her as his bride and her life is changed immensely.
Nanao is sweet but naive which makes sense given how sheltered she has been because of the demon mark. Her family treats her so badly you really feel for her. Yako is rough around the edges but you can tell he means well and will treat Nanao with care respect. I can't wait for the second installment!

Thank you NetGalley for an arc.

Ayakashi Hunter’s Tainted Bride had me squealing and kicking my feet several times. As a long time fan of Noragami, I just knew I was going to love this. I’m already a major simp for Lord Yako and the depth to his personality was delightful. Lord Yako’s ability to be cold and calculating, yet sort of blockheaded and goofy, while simultaneously being kind was definitely one of my favorite aspects. Nanao was a little corny at moments, but nothing I wouldn’t expect within reason from a manga. Honestly, I can’t wait for the next volume and will definitely keep up with this series!

Thank you Kodansha, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!